Gospel Principles
Unit 6: The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Chapter 20: Baptism
Concept 2: Why Must We Be Baptized?
"We Must Be Baptized for the Remission of Our Sins
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and are baptized, our sins are forgiven through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
From the Scriptures we learn that John the Baptist "did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4). The Apostle Peter taught, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ " (Acts 2:38). Following Paul's conversion, Ananias said to him, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16).
We Must Be Baptized to Become Members of the Church of Jesus Christ
"All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized ...that ...have truly repented of all their sins ...shall be received by baptism into his church" (D&C 20:37).
We Must Be Baptized before We Can Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost
The Lord said, "If thou wilt turn unto me, and ...repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son ...ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Moses 6:52).
We Must Be Baptized to Show Obedience
Jesus Christ was without sin, yet he was baptized. He said his baptism was necessary "to all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15). The prophet Nephi explained that the Lord told him, "Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do ...with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism" (2 Nephi 31:12-13).
We Must Be Baptized to Enter the Celestial Kingdom
Jesus said, "Whoso believed in me, and is baptized ...shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned." (3 Nephi 11:33-34). Baptism is the Gateway through which we enter the celestial kingdom.
Discussion
Consider some of the reasons why we need to be baptized."